TAHLEQUAH -- The Cherokee Nation and the United States Small Business Association will work together to help Indian businesses pre-qualify for guaranteed loans. SBA Regional Director Ruben Guerrero and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith participated in a formal event announcing the program earlier this month.

"Native Americans do not make up a proportional number of our loan applicants," said Guerrero. "We’re happy to work with the Cherokee Nation to reach the Indian population."

"It’s important to encourage entrepreneurship among our tribal members," Smith said. "We want to support Cherokee business leaders."

For more information on the SBA loan program, call the Cherokee Nation at (918) 456-0671 extension 2535.